As the calendar inches towards the heart of spring, Bulgaria finds itself basking in an unexpected heatwave, with temperatures soaring to unprecedented heights across the country.
On April 15, 2024, various regions of Bulgaria experienced scorching temperatures, defying seasonal norms and setting new records in the process.
The picturesque town of Silistra emerged as the frontrunner in this unexpected heatwave, recording a blistering 33 degrees Celsius, according to reports from the weather bureau.
Not far behind, Lovech, Pleven, and Vratsa sweltered under 32-degree temperatures, while Montana, Haskovo, and Veliko Turnovo weren’t far behind at 31 degrees Celsius.
Even areas not typically associated with such warmth felt the heat, as Plovdiv, Bourgas, Pazardzhik, Ahtopol, Kyustendil, Razgrad, Shoumen, and Dobrich all experienced temperatures hitting the 30-degree mark.
The capital city, Sofia, though slightly cooler at 28 degrees Celsius, still found itself swept up in the unseasonable warmth.
But the heat didn’t just break records in Silistra; several other towns saw their previous temperature benchmarks shattered. Pleven reached 31 degrees Celsius, surpassing its 1961 record of 27.8 degrees, while Knezha soared to 31.7 degrees Celsius, eclipsing its 1950 record of 27.8 degrees.
Turgovishte also joined the record-breaking fray, hitting 31.6 degrees Celsius, well beyond the 2000 record of 25.8 degrees.
Looking ahead to April 16, meteorologists forecast another day of scorching temperatures, with Yambol expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius and Plovdiv and Rousse not far behind at 31 degrees Celsius.
The eastern part of the country can anticipate slightly cooler temperatures, with Varna, Blagoevgrad, and Sandanski expecting highs of 29 degrees Celsius, while Sofia braces for a relatively mild 28 degrees Celsius.
However, relief may be on the horizon, as forecasters predict a shift in weather patterns, with mainly sunny skies giving way to afternoon cloudiness and evening rain showers, particularly in western Bulgaria.
As Bulgarians prepare for the coming days, it’s important to note the broader climatic trends shaping the region. The weather bureau reported that March 2024 saw maximum temperatures consistently surpassing norms by one to three degrees Celsius.
This trend follows from February 2024, which was marked as one of the warmest Februarys since 1930.
In their annual report, the weather bureau underscored the broader context of climate change, highlighting 2023 as the warmest year in Bulgaria since 1930.
These trends signal not just temporary fluctuations but a larger, systemic shift in Bulgaria’s climate, with implications for agriculture, infrastructure, and public health.
As Bulgarians adapt to the sweltering conditions and brace for the uncertain weather ahead, one thing remains clear: the days of predictable seasons may be a thing of the past as the specter of climate change continues to cast a long shadow over the nation.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members